Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
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519 episodes
Emmy-nominated actress and singer Lea Michele has spent more than 30 years performing, from her Broadway debut in at the Imperial Theatre when she was just 8-years-old to starring in hits like and . Michele sits down with Willie Geist backstage at the Imperial Theatre to discuss her full-circle return to the theater where it all began, how has brought joy and creative spark back to her life, and why feeling fulfilled as a mother and wife has made this chapter feel especially meaningful. Plus, she steps back into the dressing room she used during and reflects on the confidence that first led her from an open call in Englewood, New Jersey, to the Broadway stage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sunday is Hollywood’s biggest night: the 98th Academy Awards. “Sinners” may have broken a record with 16 nominations, but many of the top categories still seem to be wide open. Senior Hollywood Reporter Rebecca Keegan and Entertainment Correspondent Chloe Melas give their Oscar predictions, discuss what to expect from Conan O’Brien’s monologue, explain how the Academy Awards are evolving in the age of AI and industry consolidation, and share their own behind-the scenes experiences covering the event over the years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Comedian Leanne Morgan spent more than 25 years building a loyal stand-up audience before breaking through with viral clips, Netflix comedy specials and , and her hit sitcom . In this conversation from November 2025, Morgan sits down with Willie Geist to discuss her long road in stand-up, the family stories and Southern humor that shape her comedy, and the whirlwind of starring in a Netflix sitcom after decades on the road. Plus, she reflects on the breakthrough that changed her career, balancing newfound success with motherhood and grandmotherhood, and why the timing of her rise makes it even more meaningful. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Benicio Del Toro is an Academy Award-winning actor and current nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in . In this conversation from June 2025, Del Toro joins Willie Geist to discuss leading director Wes Anderson’s film and how winning his first Oscar reshaped his life and career. Plus, he reflects on growing up in Puerto Rico and the first role that made him feel he had truly arrived in Hollywood. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Kate Hudson is a Golden Globe-winning actress who is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in at this year’s Oscars. In this conversation from December 2022, Hudson sits down with Willie Geist to discuss her role in , overcoming her fear of singing in public, and balancing her creative career with running Fabletics and raising a family. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Michael B. Jordan is an actor, producer, and director who is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Sinners at this year’s Oscars. In this conversation from May 2021, Jordan sits down with Willie Geist to discuss starring in , why he prefers doing his own stunts, and stepping into a major action franchise. Plus, he reflects on his friendship with the late Chadwick Boseman and navigating fame. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Paul Mescal has quickly become one of the most compelling actors of his generation and stars in Hamnet, which is nominated for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. In this conversation from November 2025, Mescal joins Willie Geist to discuss playing young William Shakespeare in , working alongside industry legends on , and how he approaches crafting complex characters. Plus, the and star reflects on his journey from school musicals to Hollywood. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As a bonus for Sunday Sitdown fans, we’re sharing the trailer for Trace of Suspicion, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Josh Mankiewicz. After seemingly healthy 23-year-old Marine Todd Sommer dies unexpectedly, his widow Cindy’s lavish spending, cosmetic surgery, and wild partying raise investigators’ suspicions. They accuse her of poisoning him with arsenic for his life insurance, setting off a criminal case that takes a stunning turn... Josh Mankiewicz sits down with the woman at the center of it all in Dateline’s newest podcast. If you like what you hear, just search Trace of Suspicion to listen to the first two episodes now, completely free. Or subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trace-of-suspicion/id1880711858, Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/33GnugbgXAD2Hn6swbnLYy?si=594114d0b51643eb or DatelinePremium.com http://datelinepremium.com/. Subscribers get early access to new episodes and can listen to all Dateline podcasts ad-free. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Hey, Sunday Sitdown fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview clip of our new podcast series, Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin. In the podcast’s debut episode, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal sits down with Craig for an honest conversation about the moments that shaped his life on and off the court. He opens up about the mistakes he made as a husband, the lessons that came from fame and fortune, and why, despite being one of America’s most beloved athletes, he considers himself a glass-half-empty guy. To listen to the full conversation now, just search ‘Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin’ wherever you’re listening. Follow now for new episodes every Tuesday: swap.fm/l/ghfew Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Charlie Puth has spent the last decade topping charts with hits like “See You Again,” “Attention” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore” and recently performed the national anthem at the 2026 Super Bowl, drawing inspiration from Whitney Houston's iconic rendition. Puth sits down with Willie Geist at a New York City jazz club to discuss his fourth studio album, “Whatever’s Clever,” an orchestral pop record influenced by late 1980s and early 1990s yacht rock, while reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped his rise from accidental pop star to global headliner. Plus, he opens up about a recent conversation with former President Barack Obama about the importance of music education, how Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” lyric pushed him to be more vulnerable and how marriage and impending fatherhood have reshaped his songwriting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Over the last 20 years, Nick Jonas has grown up in front of the world, selling millions of records, headlining stadium tours with the Jonas Brothers and building a career that spans music, Broadway and film. Jonas sits down with Willie Geist at New York City’s Tavern on the Green, a special place for him, his wife Priyanka Chopra Jonas and their daughter, to discuss his new solo album, “Sunday Best,” including the early days in church that shaped its soulful sound and how becoming a father has changed his songwriting. Plus, he looks back on being dropped by a record label, stepping away from the Jonas Brothers to find his own identity and why coming back to the band feels different this time around. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nick Jonas has been in the limelight since he was a teen idol, when he and his two older brothers formed the “Jonas Brothers” when he was just 13.Nick later set out on his own, with solo hits like “Jealous” and “Chains” before reuniting with his brothers once again. Nick sits down with Willie Geist to talk about the soulful music in his new album “Sunday Best” and the song that’s inspired by his wife Priyanka Chopra Jonas and their four year old daughter. He also talks about his early days with the Jonas Brothers, and how they all feel about being back together once again. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Colman Domingo is one of the most celebrated performers of his generation who is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from January 2024, Domingo sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his acclaimed performance in , his rise to the Hollywood spotlight, and the personal losses that shaped his journey. Plus, he reflects on gratitude, community, and why success feels especially meaningful at this stage of his career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Angela Bassett is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress who is nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from March 2025, Bassett sits down with Willie Geist to discuss playing the president of the United States opposite Robert De Niro in Netflix’s , her decades-long career, and what it means to portray leadership on screen. Plus, she reflects on honoring the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman and her time in the Cinematic Universe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Viola Davis is an Oscar-winning actress who is nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television Series, Special, or Movie at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from May 2019, Davis opens up to Willie Geist about growing up in poverty, finding her way out through acting and her work on the documentary . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Lena Waithe is an Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actress whose podcast is nominated for Outstanding Podcast in Arts, Sports and Entertainment at this year’s NAACP Image Awards. In this conversation from December 2019, Waithe sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on her rise in the industry, the mentors who helped shape her path, and how her first Emmy Award changed her life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Glen Powell has quickly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand leading men, building momentum through roles in films like , , and the recently released . In this conversation from May 2024, Powell sits down with Willie Geist to discuss his creative partnership with Sydney Sweeney, the advice that helped shape his career from actors like Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington, and the moment he realized acting was his path. Plus, he reflects on collaboration, momentum, and what comes next as his career continues to accelerate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Margot Robbie is an Academy Award-nominated actress whose career has included standout performances in , , and more recently and . In this conversation from January 2019, Robbie sits down with Willie Geist to discuss taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth I in and why she initially hesitated before saying yes to the role. Plus, she reflects on producing her own work and uniting women in Hollywood. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Steph Curry is one of the greatest shooters and most influential players in the history of the NBA. In this conversation from July 2023, Curry joins Willie Geist to discuss his journey to four NBA championships, his documentary , and how he approaches aging, recovery, and life beyond basketball. Plus, he shares his love of golf, reflects on redefining greatness, and looks ahead to what’s next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
John Cena is a WWE legend whose career has expanded far beyond the wrestling ring into acting, writing, and philanthropy. In this conversation from October 2019, the WWE champion joins Willie Geist to discuss his evolution from wrestling star to Hollywood actor and his children’s book . Plus, he reflects on perseverance, giving back, and why his motto of never giving up still defines everything he does. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Professional golfer Jordan Spieth rose from teenage prodigy to major champion at a pace rarely seen in the sport of golf. In this conversation from July 2018, Spieth sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on how competing in and winning golf’s major championships reshaped his life and career. Plus, he opens up about chasing perfection, handling comparisons to legends, and staying grounded amid early success. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant players in the history of basketball, who redefined the center position and has built an empire far beyond the basketball court. In this conversation from April 2019, O’Neal sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on his legendary NBA run, his evolution into a prolific businessman, and his role as an analyst on . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Luke Combs has had one of the fastest rises in modern music, landing more than a dozen No. 1 country hits and going from bar gigs to sold-out stadiums in just a few years. Combs sits down live with Willie Geist at City Winery Nashville to talk about songwriting, becoming a father, and how he has handled sudden fame without losing himself. Plus, he reflects on covering “Fast Car,” choosing instinct over the chase for hits, and why enjoying the process matters at every stage of his career. (Venue Sponsored by City Winery.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jim Gaffigan is a stand-up comedian, bestselling author, and actor whose eleven comedy specials and widely shared bits have made him one of the most recognizable voices in comedy. In this conversation from November 2025, Jim Gaffigan sits down with Willie Geist at the third-ever Sunday Sitdown Live to reflect on his path from a small town in Indiana to selling out arenas and starring in film and television. Plus, he opens up about how David Letterman helped jumpstart his career, the origin of Fathertime Bourbon, and how the creative process continues to motivate him. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nate Bargatze has become one of the most successful stand up comedians of his generation, going from performing for a single audience member to selling out arenas nationwide. In this conversation from January 2025, Nate Bargatze sits down with Willie Geist during the first ever Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss his rise in comedy, the expansion of the Nateland brand, and what has fueled his steady climb. Plus, he answers audience questions and reflects on how relatability has remained central to his success. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ina Garten is a Food Network legend known for bringing warmth, simplicity, and confidence to home entertaining. In this conversation from May 2025, Garten and Willie Geist continue their discussion from the second Sunday Sitdown Live at City Winery, where she demonstrates how to build the perfect dessert tray and reveals her dream dinner guests. Plus, she explains why hosting has remained one of the most meaningful parts of her life and career. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author and beloved Food Network star whose Barefoot Contessa brand has transformed how people cook and entertain at home. In this conversation from May 2025, Ina Garten sits down with Willie Geist at City Winery in New York City during the second Sunday Sitdown Live to discuss her memoir, launching her business, and the enduring support of her husband Jeffrey. Plus, she shares lessons learned from taking risks and building a career on her own terms. (Venue sponsored by City Winery.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Catherine O’Hara was a beloved, award-winning actress whose career spanned more than five decades, with unforgettable performances in films like Best in Show, Home Alone, and Beetlejuice, along with her standout role as Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek, which earned her Emmy recognition and a lasting place in comedy history. In this conversation from February 2024, O’Hara sat down with Willie Geist to discuss her role in Argylle, reflect on the legacy of her most iconic characters, and share stories from her early days in comedy that shaped her remarkable journey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Hey Sunday Sitdown fans! As a bonus, we’re sharing the trailer of Craig Melvin’s new podcast, 'Glass Half Full.' Each week, Craig sits down with a celebrity, athlete, comedian, or just plain fascinating person for intimate conversations that feel like catching up with an old friend. With warmth, humor, and curiosity, he explores how setbacks become breakthroughs — and how you never really know when that moment can become the moment that changes everything. Join us. Because who knows? You might just leave with a fresh perspective…and your glass half full. Follow now to hear new episodes every Tuesday: swap.fm/l/gdC024GHmmiP8tWcmwkz http://swap.fm/l/gdC024GHmmiP8tWcmwkz Watch episodes on the TODAY YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@TODAY. Follow host Craig Melvin on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/craigmelvinnbc/?hl=en. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jason Momoa is an actor, producer, and director whose career spans blockbuster franchises like and , along with writing, directing, and producing his own projects. Momoa sits down with Willie Geist to discuss embracing comedy and action in , telling Hawaiian stories through projects like and how creating his own work has shaped the direction of his career. Plus, he reflects on growing up between Hawaii and the Midwest, navigating fame, and why his efforts to reduce single-use plastic have become an important part of his life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
